Understanding the Importance of Conservation Land
Conservation land, the ecological heart of Mexico City, constitutes 59% of the capital’s territory, encompassing over 88,000 hectares. This area is crucial for the city’s environmental balance, playing a vital role in water regulation, biodiversity preservation, and providing essential ecosystem services.
- Water Regulation: It infiltrates 70% of the water that supplies the city’s aquifers.
- Biodiversity: It houses 11% of Mexico’s national biodiversity and 2% of the world’s biodiversity.
- Ecosystem Services: It captures carbon, prevents landslides, regulates climate, conserves biodiversity, and protects water bodies such as three lakes, 34 wetlands, 12 live rivers, 27 Natural Protected Areas, 44 canyons, and 26 Community Reserves for Conservation.
- It includes vital zones like the Chichinautzin Biological Corridor and the Agua Forest, which are home to diverse fauna and flora and are essential for water recharge.
The Problem: Illegal Land Sales
Corruption networks exploit the housing needs by selling lands without residential use in conservation zones. The law prohibits residential use due to its ecological importance.
The Mexico City Government’s head, Clara Brugada Molina, and Environment Secretary Julia Álvarez Icaza Ramirez have emphasized an “unrestricted defense” of these areas, with the slogan “Zero invasions. Zero permits. No more growth in green areas.”
Consequences of Illegal Construction or Purchase
- Loss of Assets: If you buy or build in these zones, you risk losing your assets.
- Environmental Crimes and Fraud: Individuals involved in illegal land sales may face fraud and legal consequences for environmental crimes.
Recently, a supposed leader of an illegal land-selling ring, known as “El Pitufo,” was arrested and indicted for fraud and environmental crimes following an operation in San Miguel Topilejo, Tlalpan.
How to Avoid Being a Victim of Fraud?
Verify Land Use: Before handing over money or documents, it’s crucial to verify the land use of any property for sale.
Consult the “Don’t Get Deceived!” campaign: The Mexico City Government and DGCorenadr encourage consulting the page https://altepetl.cdmx.gov.mx/no-construyas-vivienda-en-suelo-de-conservacion to prevent fraud.
How to Report Suspicious Activities?
- Direct Line: The Environment Secretariat (SEDEMA) and the Mexico City Government urge citizens to report potential invasions, real estate fraud, irregular constructions, or illegal lot sales in conservation lands.
You can report 24/7 by calling 55 24 72 46 61 or sending a WhatsApp message to 55 34 61 78 79.
Government Actions for Conservation Land Protection
The “Integrated Strategy for the Protection and Recovery of Green Land,” also known as the “Zero Growth” strategy, has recovered over 2 million square meters of green land in the first six months of the year (January to June).
- The strategy includes satellite surveillance by SEDEMA, monitoring 1,047 quadrants weekly to detect illegal constructions.
More than 10,000 public servants from 15 departments participate in coordinated operations from the Suelo Verde Cabinet.
A recent example is the August 14, 2025 operation in La Pedrera, San Miguel Topilejo, Tlalpan, where 9.5 hectares were protected, with 2.64 hectares occupied by illegal residences.
